Richard Mennear

SCOTT Flinders is hoping to avoid the need to repeat his goalscoring heroics and do a ‘Jimmy Glass’ in order to save Hartlepool United from relegation.

Glass famously saved Carlisle United on the final day of the 1998-99 season when the keeper volleyed home against Plymouth Argyle with less than 10 seconds remaining to secure their Football League status.

But Flinders – who himself netted a dramatic equaliser for Pools four years ago - is banking on Ronnie Moore’s side securing safety in Sky Bet League Two with a game to spare.

Ironically, Pools’ final game of the season is away to Carlisle after this weekend’s match against Exeter City.

Flinders, who came close to scoring against York City recently, hopes he won’t be called upon to reproduce his 94th minute equaliser against Bournemouth four years ago – his first and only goal for the club. So far.

“I was close to getting a header in at York City,” said Flinders, who isn’t afraid of charging forward late on.

I’ve done it before, but never again - we hope.

Scott Flinders

“A friend text me afterwards to say how close I was when he saw the highlights afterwards.

“I was pushed from behind, but I’d say I was inches away.

“Hopefully I’m not needed again, but who knows I could be a Jimmy Glass!

“I’ve done it before, but never again - we hope.

“None of us want to go down to the wire.

“But we have had so many chances to put it to bed and you see how poor the league is that these teams aren’t picking wins up.

“Somebody up there must be shining down on us though and giving us a chance,” added Flinders, who has scored once in 274 matches for Pools.

It came back in April 2011, Pools were trailing 2-1 entering the fourth minute of added time in the final home game of the season against Bournemouth.

Flinders left his own penalty box to charge into the opposition danger zone and connected with Fabian Yantorno’s corner to head home his first professional goal to salvage a 2-2 draw.

This weekend, Pools will be looking for all three points when Exeter visit Victoria Park as safety could be secured by teatime - IF other results go their way.

Moore’s side go into the game on the back of a 3-0 defeat at Luton Town but with Tranmere Rovers and Cheltenham Town also beaten, Pools remain a point above the drop zone with two games to go.

Pools will look to make amends following a shocking defensive display against John Still’s Luton, Flinders having conceded twice within the opening 15 minutes as the defence was carved open.

On-loan Scunthorpe United defender David Mirfin was missing with a toe injury, and Flinders hopes he will be back in front of him this weekend.

Flinders added: “Luton was a tough one, we didn’t defend well and Mirf was a massive miss.

“His experience in the last couple of months has been a massive influence in how well we have done but there is still a team out there and we didn’t get going.